Rub-a-Dub-Dub

You don’t need to bathe your baby every day. A warm cloth will help to keep her clean between bathings. Wash your baby’s face and hands often and clean the genital area carefully after each diaper change. You don’t need to use soap, but if you do, make sure it is mild and unscented. Rinse well to prevent irritation.

Bathe your baby in a warm room. The water should feel comfortable to the touch.

Make sure all of your supplies are within reach.

Remove any jewelry that might scratch your baby.

Hold your baby securely.

Use clean water to wash her eyes, ears, mouth and face.

Wipe a girl’s genitals from front to back. Don’t separate the vaginal lips.

Keep your baby boy’s penis clean by gently washing the area. Do not try to pull back the foreskin. Usually, it is not fully retractable until a boy is 3 to 5 years old, or even until after puberty. Never force it.

Do not use cotton swabs to clean inside baby’s nose and ears. Mucus or earwax will work itself out in time. Use a clean washcloth wrapped around your little finger to clean the outer areas.

You don’t need to shampoo your baby’s hair during every bath. Shampooing your baby’s hair too often will cause dry scalp. Using a small plastic bottle to rinse your baby’s hair can make it easier to keep the shampoo out of baby’s eyes.

Pat your baby completely dry with a towel.

Bath seats and bath rings are dangerous and should not be used. Never leave your baby alone while bathing her, even for a moment. If you must answer the telephone, take your baby with you.